Star Crossed Lovers

Apartment No.17

Greeted by a concerned Alya as they entered the flat, Kate and Rana froze.Alya's face was tear stained, eyes red raw, her cheeks puffy; she clearly wasn't coping after the death of Luke.The pair looked at each other stuttering, neither brave enough to break the news to an already heartbroken Alya. Abruptly, there was a booming knock on the door, Rana's eyes widened.She prepared herself to be faced with an infuriated Zeedan yet instead Emily popped her head around the door."Sorry" she said empathetically whilst inviting herself into the flat."I didn't mean to disturb you all."Clearly, this was aimed at Alya yet Emily's eyes were transfixed on the almost non existant distance between Kate and Rana."My name is Seargent Dean, I am the chief investigator and detective in charge of Luke Britton's death,Miss Alya Nazir if I may ask you a few questions".Emily stood, her stature unwavered.She was unlike any other police officer.The youngest female to become Seargent, there wasn't a case she hadn't solved.Her eyes were so young yet so filled with pain and experience.If anyone was going to solve this murder it was her.And she was determined to do just that.Unable to speak as she held back the tears, a simple nod of Alyas head sufficed as her answer."On that note, we should probably-"Rana trailed on...
"-Get going" Kate finished.However, before she could bypass Emily, she was stopped in her tracks by the precocious detective.Leaning in, she whispered into Kate's ear "here take my keys, I've moved back into my apartment, you know the one we lived in as students down by vine court.You'll both be safe to talk there." Kate raised her eye brows as she felt a cold key being placed into the palm of her hand.It was no surprise really that Emily had deduced what was happening despite being on the cobbles for less that 5 minutes.She was grateful nevertheless and the pair exchanged a smile between old friends.

Kate ushered a bemused Rana out of the flat with a gesture of her hand, leaving Alya and Emily to talk.Closing the door, the lovers looked around as they dealt with the piercing stares of the residents.Looking down at the key, Kate saw a keyring attached reading Apartment No.17 with the reverse depicting a picture of a group of giggling and smurking teenage girls one of whom being a bright eyed, radiant and beautiful Emily, arms around another: a brunette captured in a fit of laughter who Kate recognised as herself.Filled with reminiscence,Kate smirked at this fond memory.Recognising this happiness, she felt bad snapping Kate out of it yet the residents whisper's were agonizing."Come on" Rana uttered softly as the pair headed for Emily's flat.

Meanwhile, at Alya's flat the mood was much more sombre.Used to dealing with heartbroken relatives- or love ones, Emily brought Alya a cup of tea and soothed her in a empathetic voice.Alya could see the professionalism of the girl, she had recognised her prior at the funeral and then consequently the wake.Every question Emily asked was of clear importance but consideration allowing Alya to respond accordingly.Without warning, Zeedan burst through the flat door."Where is she?!"he exclaimed."Zee.Hang on who are you taking about?" Alya questioned as she concerningly took his hand.
"That two timing...dirty, little-" Before he could finish, Emily interrupted.
"Maybe we should sit him down; he's clearly had too much to drink"Emily rationalized."He doesn't drink."Alya stated patronisingly."Yes, I know judging by how he's handling it but trust me.He is drunk.I can even tell you how much he's had, what he's had-" She paused.Frequently, Emily had to stop herself when going full detective mode it used to be her party trick: discovering people's secrets, being able to read someone and know their entire life story by just looking them up and down but she also knew this was not the time nor place, it was clear both were hurting."I should go.Thank you, Miss Nazir"Emily said as she headed for the door.Turning around swiftly, she ended with a reassuring "we will catch whoever did this."

Back at Emily's flat, Kate and Rana were finally alone.No one else could judge them or whisper or try to tear them from each other's embrace.Placing their foreheads on each other's, Kate gazed into Rana's kind, alluring eyes.Rana's lip quivvered "I love you...so much" she sobbed.Delight overcame Kate emphasised by a small chuckle followed by a "I love you too." The pair embraced each other passionately as Kate placed her hand on Rana's cheek.After hours of talking, Kate and Rana were interrupted by the sound of a jangle of keys."Ok, I'm coming in.Just to warn you." Emily jokingly said as she came in hands covering her eyes. "Stop it" Kate laughed as she playfully pulled Emily's hand from covering her eyes."So guess you ...talked things out." Emily witfully gleemed.Rana hurried to the counter as Kate and Emily were in deep conversation reminising about old memories."The flat looks great,looks a lot bigger and modern that it looked like with us students living in it" Kate stated as her eyes explored the decor to a further extent."Well, I've revamped it a bit.Apparently it wasnt on the market, took some persuading from the tenant but I gave him an offer he couldn't refuse." Before she could continue, Rana approached with the key that Emily had given her in her hand."Thank You, Emily." She said as she held the keys up to Emily."What for?" Emily teased."The key is yours.Well both of yours, you are gonna have to share for the time being.Im still waiting on the other set from the locksmith."As she spoke, she closed Rana's fist so that the keys were gripped in her hand."You mean...?"Kate enquired. "Of course! l
Look.I'm gonna be working this case, so I'll be out practically all day so this flat needs a bit of looking after.Besides, I'm a sucker for true love.At least this way you'll be able to be who you both are, without judgement whilst coming to terms with things".Stunned,the pair gazed into each other's eyes once again taking comfort in knowing that they have an ally in Emily and despite all the fall out they endured, they are free from the shackles that once restrained them.